Apparatus and method for supporting time-controlled service in machine-to-machine communication system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for supporting a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system is provided. The method includes registering the time-controlled M2M service; establishing a service flow with a Base Station (BS) after registering the time-controlled M2M service; exchanging data with the BS through the established service flow during an access admission time period; and stopping data transmission during an access restriction time period when an access interruption message is received for the established service flow.

PRIORITY

This present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) topatent applications filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office onJan. 7, 2011 and Jan. 4, 2012 and assigned Serial Nos. 10-2011-0001705,10-2012-0000951, respectively, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a Machine-To-Machine (M2M)communication system, and more particularly, to an apparatus and methodfor supporting an application providing a service only for apredetermined period of time in an M2M communication system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Research is currently being conducted on a Machine-To-Machine (M2M)communication service that supports machine-to-machine datacommunication in a case in which there is little or no direct humaninteraction. The M2M communication service decreases the cost of devicemanagement by automation and communication. Specifically, the M2Mcommunication service is a technology applicable to health care, homeautomation, smart metering, and fleet management of vehicles andarticles mounted on the vehicles.

In the M2M communication system, a system designer may be required toconsider a device that transmits/receives data for a limited period oftime unlike a Subscriber Station (SS) of a general communication system.For example, a smart metering device may transmit metered values to asmart meter server at fixed periods, for example, once a month, or mayreceive metering information from the smart meter server once a day. Asanother example, a healthcare device may receive up-to-date healthcareinformation from a healthcare server once a day.

As described above, the M2M communication system may transmit or receivedata for a predetermined period of time depending on the purpose and useof a subscriber station. That is, because data related to a servicesubscribed by the subscriber station should be accessed only for apredetermined period of time, the subscriber station may be registeredin the network only for the predetermined period of time or may use thenetwork resources only for the predetermined period of time. In order toallow an access only for the predetermined period of time, a networkregistration/deregistration process and a Dynamic Service Addition(DSA)/Dynamic Service Deletion (DSD) process is frequently performed forthe predetermined period of time. What is thus required is a scheme forperforming efficient communication to overcome the above problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve at least theabove-described problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentinvention is to provide an apparatus and method for efficientlyproviding a service capable of accessing data only for a predeterminedperiod of time in an M2M communication system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for operatinga Machine-To-Machine (M2M) Subscriber Station (SS) for a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system is provided. The method includesregistering the time-controlled M2M service; establishing a service flowwith a Base Station (BS) after registering the time-controlled M2Mservice; exchanging data with the BS through the established serviceflow during an access admission time period; and stopping datatransmission during an access restriction time period when an accessinterruption message is received for the established service flow.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method foroperating a machine-to-machine (M2M) base station (BS) for atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system is provided. Themethod includes receiving a service flow establishment command messagefrom an M2M server; establishing a service flow for a Subscriber Station(SS) according to the service flow establishment command message, andexchanging data with the SS through the service flow; and transmitting adata transmission interruption message to the SS before an accessrestriction time period when receiving an access interruption messagefor the established service flow from the M2M server.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method foroperating a machine-to-machine (M2M) server for a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system is provided. The method includesregistering a time-controlled M2M service for a Subscriber Station (SS);setting access control with respect to the M2M service registration;transmitting service flow establishment command message to an M2M BaseStation (BS) according to the access control; and transmitting an accessinterruption message to the M2M BS before an access restriction timeperiod.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus of aMachine-To-Machine (M2M) Subscriber Station (SS) for a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system is provided. The apparatusincludes a control unit for registering a time-controlled M2M serviceand establishing a service flow with a Base Station (BS) afterregistering the M2M service; and a transmitting/receiving unit forexchanging data with the BS through the established service flow duringan access admission time period, wherein the control unit interruptsdata transmission during an access restriction time period whenreceiving an access interruption message for the established serviceflow.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus of aMachine-to-Machine (M2M) Base Station (BS) for a time-controlled servicein an M2M communication system is provided. The apparatus includes areceiving unit for receiving a service flow establishment commandmessage from an M2M server; a control unit for establishing a serviceflow for a Subscriber Station (SS) according to the service flowestablishment command message, and exchanging data with the SS throughthe established service flow; and a transmitting unit for transmitting adata transmission interruption message to the SS before an accessrestriction time period when receiving an access interruption messagefor the established service flow from the M2M server.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus of aMachine-to-Machine (M2M) server for a time-controlled service in an M2Mcommunication system is provided. The apparatus includes a control unitfor registering a time-controlled M2M service for a Subscriber Station(SS), and setting access control with respect to the M2M serviceregistration; and an interface unit for transmitting a service flowestablishment command message to an M2M Base Station (BS) according tothe access control, and transmitting an access interruption message tothe M2M BS before an access restriction time period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an M2Mcommunication system;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for establishing and releasing atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for registering and deregistering adevice having subscribed to a time-controlled service in an M2Mcommunication system;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for supporting atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an M2M server for supporting atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similarcomponents may be designated by the same or similar reference numeralsthroughout the drawings. Detailed description of constructions orprocesses known in the art may are omitted to avoid obscuring thesubject matter of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a scheme for supporting asubscriber station having subscribed to a time-controlled service (i.e.,a service allowing data communication only for a predetermined period oftime) in a Machine-To-Machine (M2M) communication system.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an M2Mcommunication system.

Referring to FIG. 1, the M2M communication system includes an M2MSubscriber Station (SS) 110, an M2M Base Station (BS) 120, an AccessService Network Gateway (ASN-GW) 130, a Connection Service Network (CSN)140, an M2M server 150.

The M2M SS 110 is a device that mounts an M2M communication applicationto perform communication without user input. The M2M BS 120 and theASN-GW 130 provide an access point for communication between the M2M SS110 and the M2M BS 120. Specifically, the M2M BS 120 controls wirelessresources for communication between the M2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120.The CSN 140 provides a user-end connection service to the M2M SS 110.The M2M BS 120 communicates with one of more M2M SSs 110. The M2M BS 120mounts an M2M communication application and has an interface accessibleby users. In FIG. 1, the M2M BS 120 is illustrated as being separatedfrom the CSN 140. However, in another embodiment, the M2M BS 120 may beincluded in the CSN 140 according to system operation options.

In the M2M communication system, the wireless interface between the M2MSS 110 and the M2M BS 120 may be based on a conventional communicationstandard or on the communication standard designed for the M2Mcommunication system. For example, the wireless interface between theM2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120 may be based on the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 communication systemstandard. The M2M SS 110 may then communicate as a Mobile Station (MS)defined in the IEEE 802.16 communication system. As an example, thefollowing description is made in the context of a wireless interfacebased on the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing(OFDM)/Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) scheme.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a SubscriberStation (SS), a Base Station (BS) and a server for establishing andreleasing a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system.

Referring to FIG. 2, in step 201, the M2M SS 110 performs a networkentry process with the M2M BS 120 in order to receive an M2M service.For example, the M2M SS 110 exchanges RaNGing-REQuest/ReSPonse(RNG-REQ/RSP), SS Basic Capability (SBC)-REQ/RSP, Privacy and KeyManagement (PKM)-REQ/RSP, and REGister (REG)-REQ/RSP messages with theM2M BS 120 in the network entry process.

In step 203, the M2M SS 110 registers an M2M service through the M2Mserver 150. In step 205, the M2M server 150 registers a time-controlledservice through a process according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The time-controlled service is a service that communicatesdata only for a predetermined period of time by using network resources.

In step 207, on the basis of information provided by the M2M server 150,the M2M BS 120 receives a Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) command for theM2M SS 110 from the upper network entity or the M2M server 150. In step209, the M2M BS 120 and the M2M SS 110 perform a DSA process. A serviceflow established in the DSA process is used to process data of thetime-controlled service registered in step 205. In step 211, the M2M SS110 and the M2M BS 120 communicate for an access admission time period260. Data is also exchanged between the M2M BS 120 and the M2M server150 in step 213.

After expiration of the access admission time period 260 for the serviceflow established in step 209, a Dynamic Service Deletion (DSD) commandis transmitted in step 215 through the upper network entity of the M2MBS 120 according to the information provided by the M2M server 150. Instep 217, the M2M BS 120 performs a DSD process with the M2M SS 110.Data communication for the service is then restricted for a servicerestriction time period 262.

In steps 219 and 221, after expiration of the access restriction timeperiod 262, upon arrival of an access admission time period 264 of atime-controlled service subscribed to by the M2M SS 110, a service flowof the M2M SS 110 is established to communicate for the time-controlledservice. In steps 223 and 225, data is communicated between the M2M SS110, the M2M BS 120 and the M2M server 150 for the access admission timeperiod 264. Upon expiration of the access admission time period 264, anaccess restriction time period 266 of the time-controlled service isinitiated, and a DSD process of the M2M SS 110 is performed in steps 227and 229. Upon arrival at an access admission time period 268, a serviceflow of the M2M SS 110 is then established and data is communicated insteps 231 to 237. A process of releasing the service flow is performedfor an access restriction time period. In this manner, service flowestablishing/releasing processes are repeated according to the accessadmission time period of the time-controlled service.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for registering and deregistering adevice having subscribed to a time-controlled service in an M2Mcommunication system.

Referring to FIG. 3, in step 301, the M2M SS 110 performs a networkentry process with the M2M BS 120 in order to receive an M2M service. Instep 303, the M2M SS 110 registers an M2M service through the M2M server150. In step 305, the M2M server 150 registers a time-controlled servicethrough a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 307, on the basis of information provided by the M2M server 150,the M2M BS 120 receives a Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) command for theM2M SS 110 from the upper network entity. In step 309, the M2M BS 120and the M2M SS 110 perform a DSA process. A service flow established inthe DSA process is used to process data of the time-controlled serviceregistered in step 305. In step 311, the M2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120communicate for an access admission time period 360. The data is alsoexchanged between the M2M BS 120 and the M2M server 150 in step 313.

After expiration of the access admission time period 360 for the serviceflow established in step 309, a Dynamic Service Deletion (DSD) commandis transmitted in step 315 to the M2M BS 120 according to theinformation provided by the M2M server 150.

In step 317, the M2M BS 120 and the M2M SS 110 perform an SSderegistration process.

After expiration of the access restriction time period 362, in step 319,the M2M SS 110 performs a network entry process through the M2M BS 120in order to process data corresponding to a time-controlled service. Instep 321, the M2M BS 120 receives a DSA command for the M2M SS 110 fromthe upper network entity according to the information of the M2M server.In step 323, the M2M BS 120 performs a DSA process with the M2M SS 110.In steps 325 and 327, the M2M SS 110, the M2M BS 120 and the M2M server150 uses the service flow to communicate for an access admission timeperiod 364. After expiration of the access admission time period 364, insteps 329 and 331, upon arrival at an access restriction time period366, the M2M BS 120 performs a deregistration process for the M2M SS 110according to the information of the M2M server 150.

As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, when a time-controlledservice is subscribed, it is required to maintain a service flow or M2MSS registration only for the access admission time period.

Thus, a process of establishing a service flow or re-registering an M2Min the network for each access admission time period is performedmultiple times. This increases a system overhead due to a service flowaddition/deletion process or a network entry/deregistration process.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a scheme for reducing theoverhead of dynamic service addition/deletion and networkregistration/deregistration processes while supporting an M2M SS havingsubscribed to a time-controlled service with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in step 401, the M2M SS 110 performs a networkentry process with the M2M BS 120 in order to receive an M2M service. Instep 403, the M2M SS 110 registers an M2M service through the M2M server150. In step 405, the M2M server 150 registers a time-controlled servicethrough a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 407, on the basis of information provided by the M2M server 150,the M2M BS 120 receives a Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) command for theM2M SS 110 from the upper network entity. In step 409, the M2M BS 120and the M2M SS 110 perform a DSA process. A service flow established inthe DSA process is used to process data of the time-controlled serviceregistered in step 405. In step 411, the M2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120communicate for an access admission time period 450. The data isexchanged between the M2M BS 120 and the M2M server 150 in step 413.Upon arrival at an access restriction time period 452 for the serviceflow, in step 415, an access-deny command signal for the service flow istransmitted from the upper network entity of the M2M BS 120 to the M2MBS 120 according to information provided by the M2M server 150. Theaccess-deny command signal transmitted in step 415 may include accessinterruption indication information and access resumption timeinformation with respect to the service flow. On the basis of theaccess-deny command signal, the M2M BS 120 does not allow datacommunication in the service flow. At this point, the service flowestablished in step 409 is maintained.

In step 416, according to the access interruption indicationinformation, the M2M BS 120 transmits a data communication interruptionindication signal for the service flow to the M2M SS 110. The datacommunication interruption indication signal of step 416 is transmittedby being piggybacked on a Media Access Control (MAC) control message, asignaling header, or downlink data transmitted from the M2M BS 120 tothe M2M SS 110.

In step 417, upon arrival at an access admission time period 454according to the access resumption time information included in theaccess-deny command signal, the M2M BS 120 resumes data communicationwith the M2M SS 110 without performing a DSA process (i.e., by using theservice flow established in step 409).

In step 419, the M2M BS 120 transmits data of the M2M SS 110 to the M2Mserver 150.

Upon arrival at an access restriction time period 456 for the serviceflow, in step 421, an access-deny command signal for the service flow istransmitted from the upper network entity of the M2M BS 120 to the M2MBS 120 according to information provided by the M2M server 150. In step422, the M2M BS 120 transmits a data communication interruptionindication signal for the service flow to the M2M SS 110.

Upon resumption of an access admission time period 458, the M2M BS 120resumes data communication with the M2M SS 110 in step 423.

Data of the M2M SS 110 are transmitted to the M2M server 150 (step 425).For the access restriction time period (452, 456), a control signal ordata corresponding to a service flow corresponding to thetime-controlled service is not processed by the M2M BS 120.

In one embodiment of FIG. 4, access admission or restriction indicationsignals for a service flow corresponding to the time-controlled serviceare exchanged between the M2M BS 120 and the M2M SS 110. In anotherembodiment of FIG. 4, the access admission time information and theaccess restriction time information may be included through a DSAmessage exchanged between the M2M BS 120 and M2M SS 110 during the DSAprocess of step 409. The M2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120 perform datacommunication for the time-controlled service on the basis of the accessadmission time information and the access restriction time information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in step 501, the M2M SS 110 performs a networkentry process with the M2M BS 120 in order to receive an M2M service. Instep 503, the M2M SS 110 registers an M2M service through the M2M server150. In step 505, the M2M server 150 registers a time-controlled servicethrough a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 507, on the basis of information provided by the M2M server 150,the M2M BS 120 then receives a Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) commandfor the M2M SS 110 from the upper network entity.

In step 509, the M2M BS 120 and the M2M SS 110 perform a DSA process. Aservice flow established in the DSA process is used to process data ofthe time-controlled service registered in step 505. In step 511, the M2MSS 110 and the M2M BS 120 communicate for an access admission timeperiod 550. The data is exchanged between the M2M BS 120 and the M2Mserver 150 in step 513. Upon arrival at an access restriction timeperiod 552 for the service flow, in step 515, an access-deny commandsignal for the service flow is transmitted from the upper network entityof the M2M BS 120 to the M2M BS 120 according to information provided bythe M2M server 150. The access-deny command signal transmitted in step515 may include access interruption indication information and accessresumption time information with respect to the service flow. In step517, according to the access-deny command signal, the M2M BS 120transmits a data communication interruption indication signal for theservice flow to the M2M SS 110. The data communication interruptionindication signal of step 517 may be used by setting a specific actioncode of a control signal used in an SS deregistration process. Forexample, the data communication interruption indication signal maycorrespond to a control signal that includes an action code allowing thecommunication of only a control signal with the M2M BS 120 or an actioncode allowing the monitoring of only a downlink signal of the M2M BS120. As another example, a new action code (e.g., an action code notallowing data communication corresponding to a specific service flowwith the M2M BS 120) may be established to a control signal used in theSS deregistration process. The control signal may include the new actioncode and the identifier of a service flow for stopping the datacommunication.

Thereafter, upon arrival at an access admission time period 554, in step519, the M2M BS 120 and the M2M SS 110 perform a process of resumingdata communication for a service flow corresponding to thetime-controlled service. In step 519, the M2M BS 120 may set and use aspecific action code of a control signal used in the SS deregistrationprocess. For example, the specific action code may correspond to acontrol signal that includes an action code indicating the possibilityof performing normal data communication with the M2M BS 120. As anotherexample, a new action code (i.e., an action code for indicating theresumption of data communication corresponding to a specific serviceflow with the M2M BS 120) may be established to a control signal used inthe SS deregistration process. Herein, the control signal may includethe new action code and the identifier of a service flow for resumingthe data communication.

When data communication for the service flow is resumed, in step 521,the M2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120 perform data communicationcorresponding to the service flow for the access admission time period554, and, in step 523, the M2M BS 120 exchanges data of the M2M SS 110with the M2M server 150. Upon arrival at an access restriction timeperiod 556, in steps 525 and 527, the M2M SS 110 and the M2M BS 120perform the operations of steps 515 and 517 in order to interrupt thedata communication for the service flow.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus (an M2M SS or an M2M BS) forsupporting a time-controlled service in an M2M communication systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus may include a receiving unit 600, acontrol unit 602, and a transmitting unit 604.

If the apparatus is an M2M SS, the receiving unit 600 receives signalsfrom the M2M BS on the basis of the OFDM/OFDMA scheme. For example, in anetwork entry process and an M2M service registration process, thereceiving unit 600 receives messages exchanged with the M2M BS andprovides the same to the control unit 602. Also, the receiving unit 600receives a DSA/DSD message and provides the message to the control unit602.

The transmitting unit 604 receives messages for a network entry processand an M2M service registration process from the control unit 602, andtransmits the messages to the M2M BS on the basis of the OFDM/OFDMAscheme.

To perform a network entry process and an M2M service registrationprocess, the control unit 602 analyzes a relevant control messagereceived from the receiving unit 600, generates a relevant controlmessage, and outputs the message to the transmitting unit 604. Inaddition, the control unit 602 controls a time-controlled serviceaccording to the present invention. For example, in the firstembodiment, for the time-controlled service, the control unit 602 adds aservice flow and exchanges data with the M2M BS upon arrival at anaccess admission time period and deletes only the established serviceflow upon arrival at an access restriction time period. That is, in thefirst embodiment, a DSA/DSD process is performed multiple times.

In the second embodiment, for the time-controlled service, the controlunit 602 adds a service flow and exchanges data with the M2M BS uponarrival at an access admission time period and performs a deregistrationprocess upon arrival at an access restriction time period. Upon arrivalat an access admission time period after expiration of an accessrestriction time period, the control unit 602 performs both a networkentry process and a DSA process.

In the third embodiment, for the time-controlled service, the controlunit 602 adds a service flow and exchanges data with the M2M BS uponarrival at an access admission time period and receives an access-denycommand signal from the M2M BS and interrupts the access upon arrival atan access restriction time period. However, a previously-establishedservice flow is maintained at this point. Upon arrival at an accessadmission time period after expiration of an access restriction timeperiod, the control unit 602 uses the previously-established serviceflow to exchange data with the M2M BS.

In a fourth embodiment, for the time-controlled service, the controlunit 602 adds a service flow and exchanges data with the M2M BS uponarrival at an access admission time period and receives an access-denycommand signal from the M2M BS and interrupts the access upon arrival atan access restriction time period. However, a previously-establishedservice flow is maintained at this point. Upon arrival at an accessadmission time period after expiration of an access restriction timeperiod, the control unit 602 receives an access admission command for apreviously-established service flow from the M2M BS and uses thepreviously-established service flow to exchange data with the M2M BS.

If the apparatus is an M2M BS, the receiving unit 600 receives signalsfrom the M2M SS on the basis of the OFDM/OFDMA scheme. For example, in anetwork entry process and an M2M service registration process, thereceiving unit 600 receives messages exchanged with the M2M SS andprovides the same to the control unit 602. Also, the receiving unit 600receives a DSA/DSD message and provides the same to the control unit602.

The transmitting unit 604 receives messages for a network entry processand an M2M service registration process from the control unit 602, andtransmits the messages to the M2M SS on the basis of the OFDM/OFDMAscheme.

In order to perform a network entry process and an M2M serviceregistration process, the control unit 602 analyzes a relevant controlmessage received from the receiving unit 600, generates a relevantcontrol message, and outputs the message to the transmitting unit 604.In addition, the control unit 602 controls a time-controlled serviceaccording to the present invention. For example, in the firstembodiment, for the time-controlled service, the control unit 602 adds aservice flow and exchanges data with the M2M SS upon arrival at anaccess admission time period and deletes only the established serviceflow upon arrival at an access restriction time period. That is, in thefirst embodiment, a DSA/DSD process is performed multiple times.

In the second embodiment, for the time-controlled service, the controlunit 602 adds a service flow and exchanges data with the M2M SS uponarrival at an access admission time period and performs a deregistrationprocess upon arrival at an access restriction time period. Upon arrivalat an access admission time period after expiration of an accessrestriction time period, the control unit 602 performs both a networkentry process and a DSA process.

In the third embodiment, for the time-controlled service, the controlunit 602 adds a service flow and exchanges data with the M2M SS uponarrival at an access admission time period and receives an access-denycommand signal from the M2M server and interrupts the access uponarrival at an access restriction time period. However, apreviously-established service flow is maintained at this point. Uponarrival at an access admission time period after expiration of an accessrestriction time period, the control unit 602 uses thepreviously-established service flow to exchange data with the M2M SS.

In the fourth embodiment, for the time-controlled service, the controlunit 602 adds a service flow and exchanges data with the M2M SS uponarrival at an access admission time period and receives an access-denycommand signal from the M2M server and interrupts the access uponarrival at an access restriction time period. However, apreviously-established service flow is maintained at this point. Uponarrival at an access admission time period after expiration of an accessrestriction time period, the control unit 602 transmits an accessadmission command for a previously-established service flow to the M2MSS and uses the previously-established service flow to exchange datawith the M2M SS.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an M2M server for supporting atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the M2M server may include an interface unit 700, acontrol unit 702, and a storage unit 704.

The interface unit 700 receives an M2M service registration request of aSubscriber Station (SS) through an M2M Base Station (BS), provides theM2M service registration request to the control unit 702, and transmitsa Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) command message, a Dynamic ServiceDeletion (DSD) command message, or access-deny information to the M2M BSon the basis of a time-controlled service.

The control unit 702 controls an overall operation of the M2M server. Inaddition, the control unit 702 controls a time-controlled serviceaccording to the present invention. For example, when receiving an M2Mservice registration request from a subscriber station, the control unit702 determines an access admission time period and an access restrictiontime period for the M2M service and stores the access admission timeperiod and the access restriction time period in the storage unit 704.

Moreover, on the basis of the access admission time period and theaccess restriction time period for the M2M service stored in the storageunit 704, the control unit 702 generates a DSA command message, a DSDcommand message, or access-deny information and provides the message orinformation to the interface unit 700.

The storage unit 704 stores data related to a time-controlled service ofthe relevant M2M SSs (e.g., data transmitted by the M2M SS, and accessadmission time information and access restriction time information foran M2M service).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, in step 801, an M2M SS 800-1 performs a networkentry process with an M2M BS 850 in order to receive an M2M service. Instep 803, the M2M SS 800-1 registers an M2M service through an M2Mserver 860. In step 805, the M2M server 860 registers a time-controlledservice through a process according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Moreover, in steps 807 to 811, an M2M SS 800-2 performs thesame process as the steps 801 to 805 of the M2M SS 800-1.

In step 813, on the basis of information provided by the M2M server 860,the M2M BS 850 receives a Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) command for theM2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2 from the upper network entity. In steps 815 and817, the M2M BS 850 and the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2 perform a DSAprocess. A service flow established in the DSA process is used toprocess data of a time-controlled service registered in steps 805 and811. In steps 819 and 821, the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2 and the M2M BS850 communicate for an access admission time period 862. The data isexchanged between the M2M BS 850 and the M2M server 860 in step 823. Instep 825, upon arrival at an access restriction time period 864 for theservice flow, an access-deny command signal for the service flow istransmitted from the upper network entity of the M2M BS 850 to the M2MBS 850 according to information provided by the M2M server 860. Theaccess-deny command signal transmitted in step 825 may include accessinterruption indication information and access resumption timeinformation regarding the service flow. On the basis of the access-denycommand signal, the M2M BS 850 does not admit data communication for theservice flow.

In step 827, according to the access interruption indicationinformation, the M2M BS 850 transmits a data communication interruptionindication signal for the service flow to the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2.The data communication interruption indication signal of step 827 istransmitted in the form of a group signaling header or a group MACcontrol message used to group and manage a plurality of M2M SSs havingsubscribed to the same time-controlled service. The group signalingheader or the group MAC control message transmitted in step 827 isidentified by a group identifier known to the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2.

Thereafter, in steps 829 and 831, upon arrival at an access admissiontime period 866 according to the access resumption time informationincluded in the access-deny command signal, the M2M BS 850 resumes datacommunication with the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2 without performing a DSAprocess (e.g., by using the service flow established in steps 815 and817).

In step 833, the M2M BS 850 transmits data of the M2M SSs 800-1 and800-2 to the M2M server 860.

In step 835, upon arrival at an access restriction time period 868 forthe service flow, an access-deny command signal for the service flow istransmitted from the upper network entity of the M2M BS 850 to the M2MBS 850 according to information provided by the M2M server 860. In step837, the M2M BS 850 transmits a data communication interruptionindication signal for the service flow to the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2.The data communication interruption indication signal of step 837 is agroup control signal identical to the signal of step 827.

After entry into an access admission time period 870, the M2M BS 850resumes data communication with the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2 in steps 839and 841.

Data of the M2M SSs 800-1 and 800-2 are transmitted to the M2M server860 in step 843. For the access restriction time period in steps 864,868, a control signal or data corresponding to a service flowcorresponding to the time-controlled service is not processed by the M2MBS 850.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a signal flow between a subscriberstation, a base station and a server for supporting a time-controlledservice in an M2M communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, in step 901, an M2M SS 900-1 performs a networkentry process with an M2M BS 950 in order to receive an M2M service. Instep 903, the M2M SS 900-1 registers an M2M service through an M2Mserver 960. In step 905, the M2M server 960 registers a time-controlledservice through a process according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Furthermore, in steps 907 to 911, an M2M SS 900-2 performsthe same process as the steps 901 to 905 of the M2M SS 900-1.

In step 913, on the basis of information provided by the M2M server 960,the M2M BS 950 receives a Dynamic Service Addition (DSA) command for theM2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2 from the upper network entity.

In steps 915 and 917, the M2M BS 950 and the M2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2perform a DSA process. A service flow established in the DSA process isused to process data of the time-controlled service registered in steps905 and 9111. In steps 919 and 921, the M2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2 and theM2M BS 950 communicate for an access admission time period 962. In step923, the data is exchanged between the M2M BS 950 and the M2M server960. In step 925, upon arrival at an access restriction time period 964for the service flow, an access-deny command signal for the service flowis transmitted from the upper network entity of the M2M BS 950 to theM2M BS 950 according to information provided by the M2M server 960. Instep 925, the access-deny command signal transmitted may include accessinterruption indication information and access resumption timeinformation with respect to the service flow. In step 927, according tothe access-deny command signal, the M2M BS 950 transmits a datacommunication interruption indication signal for the service flow to theM2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2.

The data communication interruption indication signal of step 927 may beused by setting a specific action code of a control signal used in an SSderegistration process. For example, the data communication interruptionindication signal may correspond to a control signal that includes anaction code allowing the communication of only a control signal with theM2M BS 950 or an action code allowing the monitoring of only a downlinksignal of the M2M BS 950. As another example, a new action code (e.g.,an action code which does not allow data communication corresponding toa specific service flow with the M2M BS 950) may be established to acontrol signal used in the SS deregistration process. The control signalmay include the new action code and the identifier of a service flow forstopping the data communication. The control signal of step 927 istransmitted by a group identifier used to group and manage a pluralityof M2M SSs having subscribed to the same time-controlled service. If thecontrol signal also includes an identifier of the service flow, theidentifier corresponds to a group service flow identifier foridentifying the time-controlled service.

Upon arrival at an access admission time period 966, in step 929, theM2M BS 950 and the M2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2 then perform a process ofresuming data communication for a service flow corresponding to thetime-controlled service. In step 929, the M2M BS 950 may set and use aspecific action code of a control signal used in an SS deregistrationprocess. For example, the specific action code may correspond to acontrol signal that includes an action code for indicating thepossibility of performing normal data communication with the M2M BS 950.In another example, a new action code (e.g., an action code fornotifying the resumption of data communication corresponding to aspecific service flow with the M2M BS 950) may be established to acontrol signal used in the SS deregistration process. The control signalmay include the new action code and the identifier of a service flow forresuming the data communication. The control signal of step 929 istransmitted by a group identifier used to group and manage a pluralityof M2M SSs having subscribed to the same time-controlled service. If thecontrol signal also includes an identifier of the service flow, theidentifier corresponds to a group service flow identifier foridentifying the time-controlled service.

When data communication for the service flow resumes, in steps 931 and933, the M2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2 and the M2M BS 950 perform datacommunication corresponding to the service flow for the access admissiontime period 966, and, in step 935, the M2M BS 950 exchanges data of theM2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2 with the M2M server 960. Upon arrival at anaccess restriction time period 968, the M2M SSs 900-1 and 900-2 and theM2M BS 950 perform the operations of steps 927 and 929 in order tointerrupt the data communication for the service flow (steps 939 and941).

As described above, when the M2M communication system supports datacommunication of a device having subscribed to a time-controlledservice, embodiments of the present invention perform a simplifiedaccess restriction process instead of continuously performing a DSA/DSDprocess or an SS registration/deregistration process according to theaccess admission/restriction time period, thus making it possible tosupport data communication of a time-controlled service without causinga system overhead.

While the present invention has been shown and described with referenceto certain embodiments and drawings of the portable terminal, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

1. A method for operating a Machine-To-Machine (M2M) Subscriber Station(SS) for a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system, themethod comprising: registering the time-controlled M2M service;establishing a service flow with a Base Station (BS) after registeringthe time-controlled M2M service; exchanging data with the BS through theservice flow during an access admission time period; and stopping datatransmission during an access restriction time period when an accessinterruption message is received for the established service flow. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein, when the access admission time periodand the access restriction time period occur periodically andalternatingly, exchanging the data with the BS through the service flowin the access admission time period and stopping the data transmissionin the access restriction time period.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe access interruption message includes at least one of an identifierfor the established service flow, a multicasting group identifier,access interruption indicating information for the established serviceflow, access interruption time information for the established serviceflow, and access resumption time information for the access-interruptedservice flow.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein exchanging the data withthe BS through the service flow in the access admission time periodcomprises: reading the access admission time period from the accessinterruption message; and transmitting the data through the service flowin the detected access admission time period.
 5. The method of claim 2,wherein stopping the data transmission in the access restriction timeperiod comprises: reading the access restriction time period from theaccess interruption message; and stopping the data transmission throughthe service flow in the detected access restriction time period.
 6. Amethod for operating a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Base Station (BS) for atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system, the methodcomprising: receiving a Service flow establishment command message froman M2M server; establishing a service flow for a Subscriber Station (SS)according to the service flow establishment command message, andexchanging data with the SS through the service flow; and transmitting adata transmission interruption message to the SS before an accessrestriction time period when an access interruption message is receivedfor the service flow from the M2M server.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein when the access admission time period and the access restrictiontime period occur periodically and alternatingly, exchanging the datawith the SS through the service flow in the access admission time periodand transmitting the data transmission interruption message to the SS inthe access restriction time period.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe access interruption message includes at least one of an identifierfor the established service flow, a multicasting group identifier,access interruption indicating information for the established serviceflow, access interruption time information for the established serviceflow, and access resumption time information for the access-interruptedservice flow.
 9. A method for operating a Machine-to-Machine (M2M)server for a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system, themethod comprising: registering the time-controlled M2M service for aSubscriber Station (SS); setting access control with respect to the M2Mservice registration; transmitting a service flow establishment commandmessage to an M2M Base Station (BS) according to the access control; andtransmitting an access interruption message to the M2M BS before anaccess restriction time period.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein theaccess interruption message includes at least one of an identifier forthe established service flow, a multicasting group identifier, accessinterruption indicating information for the established service flow,access interruption time information for the established service flow,and access resumption time information for the access-interruptedservice flow.
 11. An apparatus of a Machine-To-Machine (M2M) SubscriberStation (SS) for a time-controlled service in an M2M communicationsystem, the apparatus comprising: a control unit for registering thetime-controlled M2M service and establishing a service flow with a BaseStation (BS) after registering the M2M service; and atransmitting/receiving unit for exchanging data with the BS through theservice flow during an access admission time period, wherein the controlunit interrupts data transmission during an access restriction timeperiod when an access interruption message is received for theestablished service flow.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein whenthe access admission time period and the access restriction time periodoccur periodically and alternatingly, the control unit repetitivelyexchanges the data with the BS through the service flow in the accessadmission time period and stops the data transmission in the accessrestriction time period.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theaccess interruption message includes at least one of an identifier forthe established service flow, a multicasting group identifier, accessinterruption indicating information for the established service flow,access interruption time information for the established service flow,and access resumption time information for the access-interruptedservice flow.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control unitreads the access admission time period from the access interruptionmessage, and transmits the data through the service flow in the detectedaccess admission time period.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein thecontrol unit reads the access restriction time period from the accessinterruption message, and interrupts the data transmission through theservice flow in the detected access restriction time period.
 16. Anapparatus of a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) base station (BS) for atime-controlled service in an M2M communication system, the apparatuscomprising: a receiving unit for receiving a service flow establishmentcommand message from an M2M server; a control unit for establishing aservice flow for a Subscriber Station (SS) according to the service flowestablishment command message, and exchanging data with the SS throughthe established service flow; and a transmitting unit for transmitting adata transmission interruption message to the SS before an accessrestriction time period when an access interruption message is receivedfor the service flow from the M2M server.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein, when the access admission time period and the accessrestriction time period occur periodically and alternatingly, thecontrol unit repetitively exchanges the data with the SS through theservice flow in the access admission time period and transmitting thedata transmission interruption message to the SS in the accessrestriction time period.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein theaccess interruption message includes at least one of an identifier forthe established service flow, a multicasting group identifier, accessinterruption indicating information for the established service flow,access interruption time information for the established service flow,and access resumption time information for the access-interruptedservice flow.
 19. An apparatus of a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) server fora time-controlled service in an M2M communication system, the apparatuscomprising: a control unit for registering the time-controlled M2Mservice for a Subscriber Station (SS), and setting access control withrespect to the M2M service registration; and an interface unit fortransmitting service flow establishment command message to an M2M BaseStation (BS) according to the access control, and transmitting an accessinterruption message to the M2M BS before an access restriction timeperiod.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the access interruptionmessage includes at least one of an identifier for the establishedservice flow, a multicasting group identifier, access interruptionindicating information for the established service flow, accessinterruption time information for the established service flow, andaccess resumption time information for the access-interrupted serviceflow.